I Survived!

Not than too many of you were worried.  Florida was quick, but fun.  Andrew was happy with a plane ride and a hotel with such luxuries as vending machines where you pay for treats.  Maybe I'll start making him pay for treats from the pantry at home.  We met up with Todd later after his meeting and had dinner outside under the palm trees at The Capital Grille.  I hear about this place all the time from my parents who eat there in Kansas City.  It was tasty, from the lobster and crab cakes that my Dad suggested to the ahi tuna I had for dinner.  Andrew, always playing it safe in the food department, went with his requisite noodles with no sauce.  

The next day Todd went his way and Andrew and I navigated the streets of Tampa and found our way to The Florida Aquarium, our field trip for the day.  Well worth the trip.  We touched starfish and sea anemone.  We saw giant turtles and a few sharks.  Some very funky fish from Australia.  Then we spent time outside in their water play area.  By that time Todd was having lunch in the mall next to us, so we went over and had a quick bite and then it was time to head back to the airport.  Quick, but perfect!

My Mortality

So tomorrow morning I'm boarding a plane for Tampa, Florida with Todd and Andrew.  For the next year I can fly anywhere Todd flies on Southwest for free, one of the many "perks" of his commuting to Chicago weekly.  Actually, the gig isn't half bad for him - he eats well, sleeps in luxury with a big plasma tv but there is the stress of a job factored in there.  So, off to Tampa to home school Andrew on who knows what in Florida - swimming in the pool sounds good.  But just the teensiest part of me is fearful that if all 3 of us go down in a bright fireball I'll be leaving two orphans.  I've given Michael instructions that there is adequate life insurance and his dream of living at 101 Clear Meadows for his entire lifetime will be able to come true, but that's not really what I want for my kids.  I want to be here for them as long as I possibly can.  

Michael texted me today out of the blue - "You're a good mom and I love you.  Thanks for everything you do."  Wow!!!  I mean he's a sweet boy, amazing son and tells me that at times, but just out of the blue, I figured something was up.  When I talked to him later he told me that one of his teammates had flown home yesterday after a call that his mom was very sick.  She ended up dying before he even boarded the plane.  Michael's gotten to know this boy well and it felt so surreal to him, the unexpectedness of it.  I often ask is it better to be prepared and know you're going, or just go?  Turns out this woman had a blood clot that went to her heart.  She was the wife of an Oklahoma congressman, and was 47.  Too young.  So, pray for this family who lost a mother too soon, and throw an extra little prayer in there that my flight makes it safely to and from Florida so I can still be a mom, what I love doing best.

No Time Like the Present

No time like the present to just let you in on daily life in the Jolly household.  It would be so hum drum if it weren't for the cute little gal pictured above.  She keeps life lively.  She jumped off the tennis court long enough to enjoy a Saturday of primping in preparation for Chaminade's Homecoming with her "friend" Adam.  Most of their friends think they look like brother and sister.  They had dinner at Kobe.  Always fun to smell of essence of Japanese steakhouse when you arrive at the dance.  At some point during the night she lost the keys to her car which resulted in a frantic call to me at midnight.  I love driving 15 minutes to drop off a set of extra keys in my jammies.   Lost set was found the next morning in the yard where they had been taking pictures before the dance.  I've tried to get her to carry a purse.  Its just not happening.  Luv her anyway.